More and more people do realize the importance of skin care, no wonder why, nowadays, cosmetic and skin care products have flooded the marketplace. And a lot of people are always on the look out for the best cream, lotion, gel, or ointment whether it be to whiten their anal & vaginal region or simply to maintain skin health.

However, not all of the products on the market are created the same. Some are safe while others are not. Some are made with all-natural ingredients while some contain strong chemicals like mercury, hydroquinone, and paraben.

What is paraben?

A wide range of skin care products contains paraben. Such commodities include lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and many more. Some people may find this quite useful, but the truth is, this particular ingredient has several adverse effects. Therefore, if you want to ensure that your dermis is healthy, you should stay away from paraben. Make sure that you check what a certain product contains before you start using it or applying it to your skin.

What is it for?

Basically, paraben serves as a microbial preservative which helps eliminate harmful bacteria. A number of manufacturers find it useful, not to mention that it is very affordable. However, it should not be overused as it can also be harmful like what was mentioned above. Medical professionals say that paraben is safe as long as it is utilized in small percentages.

What are the adverse effects?

Cancer

Studies show that paraben is associated with cancer, particularly that of the breasts. Researchers have found traces of this chemical in breast tumors. But up to these days, further studies are still being conducted to establish the direct relation between paraben from skin care products and breast cancer.

Additionally, this ingredient is also linked to ovarian cancer.

Affects the reproductive organs (male and female)

Low sperm count

Decrease in testosterone levels

Proper skin care

There are so many ways in which you can take good care of your skin. The bottom line is; since it is the largest organ of the human body, you should be aware that it is susceptible to bacteria that can cause various diseases. So, it is paramount that you observe proper skin care. Wash or cleanse your dermis properly, and when you use some products, be sure to check what they contain first.

To be on the safe side, it is highly recommended that you utilize paraben-free products.

Period pain affects around forty percent of adult menstruating women, and it is a well-known fact that it affects our concentration at home, school or work. Some of us may have to take days off from school or work as a result of the agonizing pain.

Figures show that period pain affects eighty percent of menstruating women and it is estimated that as many as sixty percents of women will attend their GP at some time in their lives with period problems.

Ways of reducing period problems

Dandelion roots

Bloating felt in in a woman’s abdomen and seen on their feet. Water retention causes this problem in about three-quarters of women of childbearing age. You can find one solution in dandelion roots. This pesky weed has many benefits, and this is one of its purposes, to act as a diuretic.

Negative ions

Negative ions help to control the function of the autonomic nervous system. By regulating your autonomic nerves, it helps in normalizing the release of prostaglandins during menstruation. Prostaglandins cause contractions of our uterus muscles. With normal levels of prostaglandins being released, our uterus muscles will also contract normally, hence relieving us from period pains. Therefore, negative ions help to tackle the cause of period pains, rather than just the symptoms.

Asprin

Cramps are one of the most annoying aspects of menstruation. Some very lucky women never have the problem, but most of us do. It can range from mild to severe, and if it is the latter you will need your doctor’s help. You can use home remedies. Cramp bark is one of the best, as is Willow. However, if you are allergic to aspirin, do not take willow as it has the same constituent.

Vitamin C and iron foods

Every month we lose a lot of iron when we shed the lining of the uterus. That is why most women’s vitamins contain the mineral. If you do not want to take a tablet, you can get iron from many foods, including beef, nuts, and spinach. The main symptom of iron deficiency is fatigue, so if you are a little more tired than usual, time for some iron.

Before taking any new supplements, it is a good idea to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist. This will help you avoid side effects and drug/herb interactions. Make sure the doctor knows about any medical conditions, medications or supplements you already use.

Peptic ulcers refer to the lesions that attack the stomach as well as the esophagus and the small intestines. Their main cause is Helicobacter pylori, may cause other forms of ulcers. They may occur as a result of genetic predisposition, old age, stress, depression and a history of chronic pain, especially on the lower abdomen.

Foods to avoid if you have peptic ulcer

Caffeinated and carbonated beverages

Beverages that contain caffeine are known to worsen the condition of peptic ulcers, and you should avoid ensuring a speedy recovery. Drinks, such as coffee and tea, stimulate the production of acid in the stomach. This acid hampers digestion, thus making it easy for peptic ulcers to spread. Carbonated drinks like soda have similar effect hence you might want to think twice before taking a sip of your favorite soda in case you already have peptic ulcers.

Spicy and acidic foods

One of the problems people with peptic ulcers try to avoid is acid reflux, the very problem that is aggravated by spicy and acidic foods. Spicy foods such as chilies and hot pepper as well as acidic foods are known to trigger acid reflux, thus worsening the condition. One of the most common sources of acidic foods includes citrus fruits such as lemons, mangoes, and oranges. If possible, eliminate these foods from your diet if you had peptic ulcers and replaced with others that are more benign to the condition.

Alcohol

Though not a food substance, alcohol worsens the condition of peptic ulcers. Many would argue that alcohol helps with digestion and while that is true in part. The overall effects however on the stomach lining is that it makes it a bad idea when dealing with peptic ulcers. Alcohol is known to facilitate gastroesophageal reflux, which severely hampers the treatment of peptic ulcers. It also erodes the lining of the stomach and the small intestine which worsens peptic ulcers.

Refined foods

Refined foods are yet another category of foods to avoid if you are suffering from Peptic ulcers. This category includes among other foods; red meat, sugar, pasta, white bread and trans fats found in commercially baked bread. The main reason you should avoid these foods is that they contain limited fiber and lack antioxidant properties hence do not assist with digestion but rather aggravate it.

These ulcers are treatable using antibiotics which kill the causative bacteria. We could mitigate the effects caused by ensuring we avoid certain foods that have been closely associated with it. The following are some of the foods to avoid if you have peptic ulcers.